Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Burlington City, New Jersey and City of Albany, New York

If you're tired of the usual route for your road trips, here's an itinerary that will let you discover 5 unexpected places to stop, taste new flavors, and appreciate live music. This journey takes you 170 miles north from Burlington City, New Jersey, to one of the oldest cities in America, Albany, New York. The entire trip takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes, but with the different activities listed below, you won't even notice the time fly.

Halfway Point: Sloatsburg, New York

Before tackling the rest of the way, take a break at Sloatsburg. This village sits right at the heart of Harriman State Park, a 46,613-acre state park with numerous hiking trails, campgrounds, and lakes. Sloatsburg is an ideal stop for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers who want to explore the park's vast landscapes. Once you're done stretching your legs, head down the village and try the famous pastrami sandwich at C&B Luncheonette.

1. Warwick, New York

Tucked in between the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley, Warwick offers visitors a charming atmosphere that is hard not to fall in love with. At the heart of the village's downtown area, there's an impressive Victorian-style house that's been turned into a fantastic art center, the Warwick Art Gallery. In this gallery, talented local artists display their paintings, sculptures, and mixed media artworks.

Rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary art are also available for visitors. Along the way, make sure to drop by Penning's Farm Market, a century-old farm that offers artisanal ice cream and fresh seasonal produce. They also have an apple orchard where you can pick your own apples in the fall season.

2. Kingston, New York

If you're looking for good live music to add to your road trip playlist, Kingston is the place to be. This city is famous for being the home of many musicians, including Jimmy Fallon and Pete Seeger. There are many venues scattered throughout the city, where you can catch local bands or award-winning musicians playing live music.

Don't forget to stop by the Senate House State Historic Site, a restored limestone house that was once owned by a Dutch trader before becoming the temporary capital of New York in the 1700s. In need of a light snack or a refreshing juice? Head over to Outdated Café, a quirky vintage-style café that serves fresh vegan food, smoothies, and delicious pastries.

3. Woodstock, New York

Though it shares its name with the famous 1960s music festival, Woodstock has a lot more to offer than just rock and roll music. This artsy town is known for its vibrant art scene, unique boutiques, and eclectic eating spots. Drop by the Woodstock Playhouse, where visitors can witness live performances such as plays, Broadway performances, and musicals.

Before you leave, make sure to stop by Yum Yum Noodle Bar, a Japanese-inspired noodle bar that serves handmade ramen and udon noodles that will certainly satisfy your cravings.

4. Kinderhook, New York

Kinderhook is a small town with vast historical significance. It's where the 8th President of the United States, Martin Van Buren, was born and raised. Tour the Kinderhook Cemetery to see Van Buren's resting place and learn more about his life at the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site.

For a sweet ending to your visit, head over to PieconicNY, where they serve delicious pies made from locally grown fruits from farms in the Hudson Valley.

5. Albany, New York

The trip ends at Albany, where you can choose from several things to do. At the Empire State Plaza, visitors can find a vast collection of modern masterpieces at the New York State Museum, the iconic Erastus Corning Tower, and The Egg, a unique round-shaped theater that hosts both local and world-class performances.

If you're in the mood for some comfort food, head to The City Beer Hall, where you can enjoy classic American dishes and a wide variety of beer and cocktails.

Conclusion

This road trip is for those who want to have a fun and unique experience exploring New York's hidden gems. From art galleries to hiking trails, live music venues, and historic sites, this trip has it all. So, pack your bags, pump up your favorite road trip playlist, and embark on an adventure that will undoubtedly leave you with memories that last a lifetime!